Poll: GOP Congress Needed to Check Obama

WASHINGTON – A new poll shows voters want a Republican Congress in power to stand up to Barack Obama’s agenda while approval ratings for the president and Democratic lawmakers take a considerable downturn.

Of those polled, 53 percent said Republicans should control the House and Senate, while 39 percent preferred that the Democrats be in power.

The Washington Post-ABC News poll released Tuesday says Obama’s approval ratings are at the lowest in his presidency — 41 percent — while only 37 percent approved of Obamacare.

On the economy, only 29 percent said it was getting better while 36 percent said it has worsened. Overall, 42 percent said they supported the president’s handling of the economy.

The low marks are bad news for Democrats facing a tough midterm election this fall, however some candidates like Colorado’s Sen. Mark Udall say they intend to invite Obama to the state for campaign events.

Republicans already control the House and political pundits predict they will retain that power after the election, but the slim control of Democrats in the Senate is less certain.

Democrats polled strong on issues such as climate change, same-sex marriage, immigration and abortion. Republicans were seen as strong on matters involving Second Amendment rights, spending and cutting government waste.

The poll was conducted April 24-27 with 1,000 participants, and has a 3.5 percent margin of error.

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